Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  Accord for life - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Hilroy Samuels - May 4 - 6:05 am

  My 5th Accord but my first touring love the features. I love the V6 power. Average up to 26 miles per gallon highway. I do 80 miles a day round trip. Two dislikes are the apple car play is a little strange and the brake assist malfunctions when it is cover from round splash or snow cover. What I really like is the self steering feature it is so good when have my morning coffee it just steers itself.

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  Souring On This Model - 1998 Honda Accord
  By angelcake - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Loved this car until it hit about 80K miles, had to spend almost $2000 in emissions repairs, the "check engine light" still comes off and on, fuel injection problems, acceleration problems, had the catalytic converter replaced to the tune of $650.00 and to top it all off, both of the heating/AC knobs broke off. I am not hard on cars at all, so there should have been no reason for this. Several other owners of the 98 Accord LX have had the same problems. Probably will not buy another Accord after this.

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  exelent - 2004 Honda S2000
  By lighteningsikes7 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  its the best car and i love it i drive it with the top off even in da rain,snow and fog

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  Love my little milk truck! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Ridsbabe - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE my new Element so far. I bought the 2003 Galapagos green metallic, 2WD, automatic EX edition. It handles well, even in the rain. It is quiet and spacious. I would suggest adding floormats as the floor gets slippery when wet. The seats fold down, to the side or come out completely for this camping trips or trips to the furniture store! No more delivery fees!

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  Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Honda Pilot Owner - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SUV. IT IS EXCELLENT!!!

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  My Honda Accord experience - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Jbow - May 3 - 10:56 pm

  This is my first Honda. I am happy overall and hope to get a lot of miles out of this car

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  My oh my - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By JAN - May 3 - 10:43 pm

  Well, I wish Honda had been a little more truthful in their mpg est.the sticker said 16-22 mpg. real life= 14-16. just awful. I also tow a pop-up trailer w/this van and even though it is rated at 3500 lbs. w/the tow pkg,it still has a difficult time pulling 1400 lbs. Am currently looking for a different vehicle. But for someone who doesnt care about gas efficiency - this van would do fine. It is comfortable w/a car like ride. However, the handling is a bit sloppy.

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  Great car but no 3rd row air - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By New Honda 2008 - May 3 - 8:44 pm

  I looked at GMC Arcadia, Dodge Journey, Hyundai Veracruz, Toyota Highlander and bought Honda Pilot SE. 3rd row seating, awd, and dvd were the main features I was looking for. I went on an hour long trip today with the kids in the 3rd row. They were complaining it was too hot. To my surprise, no 3rd row air vent? Disappointed but I guess well eventually figure out the right temperature for everyone in the car.

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  Questioning Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By ASIANGIRL - May 3 - 6:36 pm

  I was so happy when I first got my new accord. Soon after I bought it, I started experiencing some issues. First my remote didnt want to work most of the time. Then even when I didnt press on the gas it would start gassing while I was in park. Then I had to replace my rear brake pads. I have kept up with my service but when I start the car it makes a rattling noise. I owned a 94 Honda accord before this and I was never disappointed. Wondering if I should just trade the car in to protect my family.

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  Luv it, Luv it, Luv it - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By crvict - May 3 - 10:25 am

  When we went searching for a new car, I had my heart set on a 07 RAV4. Husband wanted me to look at a CR-V before my final decision. Glad I did! Im happier with the fold down table in the middle of the front bucket seats. Im glad the hatch swings up and not into traffic. I added the removable tray in the back which is a dream after a trip to the store, and the gas mileage is wonderful. I didnt have to change oil for the first time till it hit 8,000 miles! And yes it is true for us, the CR-V was 15% less to insure because it doesnt have the spare hanging on the back. Ive driven it for a little over a year now, and cannot find one thing wrong. And I got the entry level AWD!